Monday April 7, 2014 marks the end of an era for Maryland State Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam and the beginning of a new chapter in her political career.

“Shirley has given 20 years serving our state,” said a long time supporter and the CEO of Baltimore-based Career Communications Group, Inc.,Tyrone Taborn. “ Now we can we give her a couple of weeks, so that she can go back to Annapolis and serve us as Senator.”

Nathan-Pulliam has an extraordinary record sponsoring and co-sponsoring bills that were signed into law. She has played major roles in sponsoring legislation that created the Healthcare Disparities Prevention Act, HB 883 and established the Office of Minority Health and Health Care Disparities, HB 86. She also worked with Senator Ben Cardin on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to elevate national Offices of Minority Health in 8 federal agencies.

Additionally, she has been sponsor or co-sponsor for Minority Business Enterprise legislation. Recently, bills on MBE participation, certification, and veteran-owned businesses have become law. Her legislative initiatives include funding for Breast Cancer diagnosis and treatment programs, oral cancer, mortality reduction program and treatment for co-occurring disorders-substance abuse and mental illness.

Nathan-Pulliam, who studied nursing at a number of schools before receiving her bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of Maryland at Baltimore in 1980 and a master’s in administrative science from Johns Hopkins University in 1984, was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates on November 8, 1994 and reelected in 1998, 2002, and, 2006, as well as in 2010.

“We started this journey toward the State Senate in January 2013 and now we are only 2 1/2 months away,” Taborn said.

“Shirley has worked very hard the past 15 months and a lot of you have supported her in many different ways. Some of you have given your time, some of you have given your talent and some of you have given your treasure (money).

“The next 11 weeks will be our most critical time of this election. We will be phone banking, door-to-door canvassing, fundraising, holding community meetings, and meeting voters. There is something in here that everyone can do,” he said.

Nathan-Pulliam lives her passion for public service.

“ I had a burning desire to serve,” she said, reflecting on why she chose to enter politics. “ I saw such need in healthcare access and quality for the working poor. And I stayed in politics because I know that the very air I breathe, the quality of the water I drink, is politics,” she explained.

“You have to make your voice heard and fight for what is right. Nothing comes easy. Each level of government is charged with various things. Unless you are involved, you won't have a clue how each level impacts your life.”